The state of Arizona is now absolutely loaded with top-rated basketball talent, as a result of the many top-notch prep programs that have developed in the state, and also the many prospects that have moved to the state of Arizona, as a result of the growing COVID pandemic. One prospect that has moved to the state and is a big addition for Arizona's 2022 Class of prospects, is PHHoenix Prep 6-foot-7, 220-pound junior forward George Ochoa. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Ochoa recently moved to the state, and brought his brewing college recruitment with him.
Ochoa is among the most talented 2022 prospects in the West, already receiving strong recruiting interest from numerous Division-I college programs. A mere junior prospect, Ochoa is a very gifted performer that I have watched perform numerous times over the past (6) months, and came away very impressed with his potential for the future. Ochoa is one of the top prospects in his class that I witnessed throughout the summer and fall (2020).
With the postponement/cancellation of the high school season in California, Ochoa found himself traveling to the state of Arizona for numerous exposure events, which he participated in and played very well over the past (6) months. Recently, Ochoa decided to change schools for his junior season, and landed at Eduprize Prep in Gilbert, AZ. He played with the Eduprize program initially, and then decided to change programs again, and now has landed at PHHoenix Prep, where he is now playing for one of the PHHoenix Fire prep teams. Ochoa still has (2) years left of high school, so he should now be an Arizona resident for the next two high school seasons.
Ochoa has already seen his recruitment begin to take serious shape as a junior prospect, as he has received numerous nice college offers early in his recruitment. Ochoa has received offers already from DePaul, Washington State, Loyola Marymount, Nevada, UC-Santa Barbara and Rice, with many more college programs looking to get involved. I expect Ochoa to receive many more offers over the next (6) months for himself.
Ochoa is a very gifted prospect that is able to play inside and out. A very skilled combo-forward prospect, Ochoa has a strong physical frame and a college-ready body that allows him to compete at a high level. He has a nice shooting stroke with range on his shot, which allows him to set up his defenders nicely, for strong dribble drives to the basket, where he is a strong finisher at the rim. He has a strong mid-range game, as a result, and is able to make plays for himself and others off the dribble. He is also strong around the low block, and can score either with his back to the basket or while facing up to his defender and making a move.
Ochoa is a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor, and is efficient around the basket. He has a knack for the ball and likes to put back missed opportunities by his teammates. He is a very good low-post defender and is capable of defending quicker players on the perimeter. He runs the floor hard and is a strong finisher. He also gets to the free throw line quite often, where he is a good free-throw shooter. A very good passer and a solid ball handler as well for his size.
Ochoa is a nice overall talent for the 2022 Class, and has developed nicely over the past several years as a player and prospect. I will continue to follow and keep a close eye on Ochoa and his college recruitment, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
